The one that almost got away (2nd version)

by safeguy2022

It's my take on the story from birth to death. In my version Stoic is a dark individual. He,s mysoginistic, petty, egotistical, abusive and devious. Those are his good points. This story will not be historically accurate. I'm writing this for fun and personal entertainment. My grammar and spelling will be off. Formatting too. I don't own the storyline or any original characters.

20. Chapter 20

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I do not own the story of How to train your dragons or any of the original characters. Any names matching public or historical figures are strictly coincidental. The story is rated M because of language and adult situations. Anyone below the age of 17 should probably not read this story.

Chapter 20 Hiccup returns to Scotland

On Berk, the excitement was starting to set in. The last of the houses to be rebuilt was almost finished. The men had been without their wives and families for over nine months. At least once a week a ship came in from Bog Island. The women sent letters and small packages to their men. Jacob wrote many letters for those women who could not write.

Stoic sent a recall notice to Bog Island as well as two longboats. The men made last-minute things to their homes to make them a little more pleasant when their families arrived.

Most of the houses had stone fences around their properties. The main trails on Berk had been widened and then covered in stones as well.

Due to the frequent relief boats coming from Scotland they had survived the winter and had a good stockpile of food in the storehouses. The men had furnished the homes with beds and furniture they made from wood. The hunting had been excellent so there was plenty of meat and furs to go around too.

Stoic and Spitelout had received letters as well stating their daughters Camicazi and Raven had been born and were doing well. Neither man knew the other had fathered a child and both had their reasons for not wanting it to become common knowledge.

A week earlier, Sir Arthur had received a startling letter from King Fergus. Fortunately, it had been written in code so no Viking could read it.

Sir Arthur,

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The Vikings are a month late in delivering Lord Haddock to castle Dunbroch. We cannot allow this or the savages will take even more liberties. By the time you read this I, Lord Ian Macguffin and 1,000 hand-picked soldiers will have set sail to fetch young Hiccup. We are not at war but if these amazons do not allow Hiccup to come with us, we will invade the island, take him by force, and destroy anyone who stands in our way. In any case, I need you to take one of our supply vessels and sail to Bog Island and wait for our arrival. You should not be tortured and killed for the actions we may have to take. I will be sending one of our combat vessels with a message for Stoic and the Berk High Council explaining our actions. Make haste and good fortune. Fergus the Brave King and first Lord of Scotland

Sir Arthur decided to just leave when the supply boat did without explanation to the Vikings. The Knight and the two soldiers packed up their meager belongings and left with the last supply vessel.

Stoic spoke with the council, "Gentlemen, I have discovered that the ambassador Sir Arthur Macintosh and the two soldiers have left our island. They failed to notify me which is a failure to notify the council as well. This is an insult. I also feel that something may be amiss."

Gobber; "Why would their departing be an insult? These men have worked hand and foot to show us a new way of building. The Scots sent food and supplies up until the bay froze over and then in February started these supply vessels again."

Gothi wrote in the dirt with her staff. Gobber translated, "Gothi states we are in violation of the treaty because the council refused to allow little Lord Haddock to return to Scotland before an after the freeze."

Yon Ingerman; "Hiccup is a citizen of Berk and a child. A child cannot be a landowner or in a position of leadership. That is Viking law you illiterate

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fool!" Gothi wrote furiously then stared ominously and Yon and the rest of the council.

Gobber read the message and relayed to them, "You are all ignorant unthinking idiots. Young Hiccup is a citizen of Scotland as well as Berk and he is considered a part of their royalty. How long do you honestly think that the King of Scotland will tolerate your stupidity? The Scots will look upon your actions as a form of kidnapping. The Scots have more men, more ships and advanced weapons than all of us in the archipelago. I have seen this with my own eyes. Stoic has to. Be happy the Scots have not already

invaded us."

Spitelout; "Is it true what she says Stoic?" Stoic; "Aye that it is. Without calling up male citizens King Fergus can gather over a thousand warriors in one day. If the Clan leaders join in the Scots would be able to muster over 5,000 experienced warriors. If the King put out a call for volunteers, he could have ten times that in a week."

Toman Svenson; "Would the Scots go to war over that little runt Stoic?"

Gobber stood and drew his ax, "Insult that boy again Toman and I'll kill you where you stand".

Toman; "I apologize blacksmith. I forgot you and Helga were raising

Hiccup. Well, Stoic; "Would the Scots go to war over your son?"

Before Stoic could answer Gobber, still standing replied, "Aye that they would. King Fergus and Queen Elinor look upon the boy like he was their own son. What father, other than Stoic, would fail to go to war with a tribe that kidnapped their son? The Scots look upon us like we are uncivilized

savages and so far the chief and this council have proved them right."

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Stoic; "I will overlook the insult given to me by my friend and say that I agree with Gothi and Gobbers statements. The Scots have over twenty-five three-masted warships that can outsail and outfight ANYTHING we can put in the water."

There was a pause then Yon said, "Stoic you are excused. The council must discuss this new information." Stoic bowed and left. In three more months, if the island of Berk survived, he would begin looking for a new wife.

On Bog Island the recall letter brought mixed feelings. For most of the Berk women, it was happiness knowing they would be reunited with their husbands. Folks like Erin, Ylva and Timothy not so much.

Unknown by thirteen years old Erin, one of his three girlfriends, (Nanna 15, Olga 13 and Tyra 13), Nanna, had intentionally allowed herself to become pregnant). Nanna was a beautiful blonde with brown eyes. She didn't have much of a bosom but she made up for it with her curves. Nanna had foolishly fallen in love with young Erin and in a bid to either keep him on the island or for her to go to Berk, she had quit drinking the moon tea. She had been dragged to Diedra's hut when Nanna couldn't keep food down. The girl's mother thought she had a stomach bug. Boy was she surprised.

The young girls of Bog island were sad because it would be a long time, if ever that boys would be allowed to stay on their island. Bertha was sad because she had gotten attached to little Lord Hiccup. Hiccup hated it

because he hated Berk and Stoic.

"Aunt Bertha," he asked, "can I stay on Bog Island with you? I really like it here."

Bertha hugged him tightly and kissed the top of his head. She knew this was probably one of the best times in the little boy's short life. "I'm sorry

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Hiccup, I'd like to but I can't. It's our law and the law goes for the Chieftess

as well as the warriors."

Hiccup, "I hate my life, Aunt Bertha. Any time I get happy, something happens and I have to leave."

Bertha; "I know little man. I know. Someday you will grow up and then you will have many wonderful things that will happen to you. You will go back to Scotland. You will be wed to your Princess Merida. You won't think about Berk or this place again because you will have your own children to look out for."

"No Aunt Bertha, I will come back here because this is where you, Leia, Camicazi and Raven live. I will never, ever forget you or them," said little Lord Hiccup.

This brought tears to her eyes. She put the young Lord down so he could go over and play with Cami and Raven. Hiccup and Camicazi, (three months old), giggling hysterically as he tickled her.

Bertha motioned for Ylva to come over to him. Ylva; "Yes Chieftess,?" she asked. Bertha; "I charge you with taking care of that boy. He has had a hard life up until he arrived here."

"I know this ma'am, I was there," said the 12-year-old.

"I charge you with looking out for him. I know you wish to stay here and that you have spoken to your mother concerning this. Hiccup needs you more than Elisa dose at this moment in time. Yes, I know all about you and Elisa. Your mother does too and she won't let you stay. No, you must stick with Hiccup until such a time he is old enough and large enough to protect himself. Can you do that Ylva?"

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Ylva had tears rolling down her eyes, "Yes Chieftess, I can do that." Then

the girl went to see her friend.

Over in the women's longhouse, Helga and Bergheld were conversing,

"Are ye as excited as I am ta be goin home, Berg?" asked Helga.

"I am Helga. I have missed Gunnar very much. Little Astrid, (now a year old), doesn't even remember what her father looks like. Ylva needs to take a break from Hiccup and that girl Elisa. I always thought she'd grow out of that liking girls and not boy's thing, but she hasn't. You will laugh, but at times I was wishing no one would claim little Hiccup as a husband because she does love him and not in a perverted way. This thing between Ylva and Elisa will only work here," said Berghilda.

Helga; "I'll just be glad to get my little Hiccup back." "Has Stoic given you and Gobber permission to adopt him?" asked Berghild. Helga shook her head, "Stoic would give the boy to us in a second, but the council won't let him because he is legally still the heir of Berk. The women went back to packing. Spitelout would be here in two days to pick them up.

One day out from Bog Island King Fergus had the captains, Ian MacGuffin, and Colonel Edger Samuel in his cabin for final briefings. King Fergus; "Captain Morton, you and Captain Williams will hang back after midnight tonight. I think four miles should be sufficient. Captain Rawlings, you will take the Alert to within 1 mile of the port. There you will anchor and rig the ship to repel boarders. I will be in a dinghy with ten men, including the crew of the boat. We will go in under a flag of truce. If They allow it, I will disembark and try to negotiate Lord Hiccups release. If I fail to return within two hours or if I fail to send the dinghy back, you will presume I am dead and begin the invasion. You will execute any opposition. You will sink their fleet. You will burn every structure. Any that surrender or are non-combatants will be brought aboard our three ships and be secured. Once they are onboard our vessels they will be treated humanely. You will return home. If they refuse to allow Hiccup to come with us you will destroy

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any vessels you find. You will use the long-ranged Ballistas to kill any combatants within range. You will use the Onagers to light as much of the

place on fire as you can.

Ian MacGuffin; "Sire I still don't understand why you won't let me go in

your stead. I am well versed in diplomacy."

Fergus; "Ian if ah would have wanted diplomacy ah would have brought Queen Elinor na yu. She's the best diplomat we have."

There was a chuckle from all the participants. "Sire what are your wishes if any other vessels come and attempt to enter the Port?" asked Captain Williams. Fergus; "You will detain the ship and crew if it can be done. If you are attacked without provocation you have my permission to sink the vessel or vessels."

The men were dismissed and they went back to their ships. Lord MacGuffin stood by the map. "Ian," said King Fergus, "If these amazons kill me today you know what to do. After Bog Island has been eliminated you will go home, raise the war flag, and call up our reserves. You will then go to Berk and eliminate them. You will destroy as much of the Viking archipelago as you can then return home and prepare to defend it. You will stay next to Elinore and Merida. If the castle falls the Queen and the Princess must not fall into the hands of our enemies. Do you understand my meaning?"

Lord MacGuffin; "Yes sire, I understand and with a heavy heart I will do

what must be done, I give you my word."

There was the sound of footsteps above the cabin. There was a knock on the door and a seaman came in, bowed to the king and reported, " The Captain sends his compliments sire, I am to notify his majesty that we are three miles from Bog Island and he requests further instructions. Also, sire,

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the lookouts have sighted a Scottish supply vessel at anchor approximately 1 mile from shore."

King Fergus, "That will be Sir Arthur. Thank you for your report. Tell the captain to drop anchor and to have my gig readied and have my men prepared." The sailor bowed once again and left.

King Fergus; "What time is it Ian?" he asked. "Just past three, your majesty" replied MacGuffin. "I'll be off then. Dawn will be in just under two hours and I will go over to the supply ship and fetch our former ambassador."

Sir Arthur arrived in the middle of the night off Bog Island. He didn't think it would b a good idea to come into Bog Harbor at night. He had the ship anchor on a shole a mile from the beach. He set out a good anchor watch.

Lookout, "Deck there, boat approaching, aft starboard quarter!" Aft? Thought Sir Arthur. He ran aft and looked. Out of the darkness came what was unmistakable as the king's gig. "All hands on deck," yelled Sir Arthur,

"Prepare to receive the King".

Moments later, King Fergus jumped onto the deck, "Sir Arthur, good to see you made it. I need you aboard my gig. I am heading to Bog harbor to speak to whomever their leader is. I intend to bring young Hiccup back with me or die trying".

After a few minutes, the gig left the side o the supply vessel. When they were within a half-mile of the docks a horn could be heard sounding off in the distance.

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Bertha and her Bog Burglars were on high alert. When the vessel was first sighted it was thought that it was the longboat from Berk sent to bring the refugees back home. As it got closer it became apparent that it was one of the Scottish supply vessels. Stranger still, it had anchored a mile offshore. Shortly after that, as dawn approached a large three-masted vessel dropped anchor three miles out. Then another. Jacob had been called by Bertha to explain what he thought was going on.

Bertha; "So Jacob, what do you see? Jacob; "Well chieftess, the small one is a Scot supply vessel. The other three…." "What do you mean the other three?" asked Bertha. "Ma'am there is a Scottish battle cruiser, and a troopship at anchor three miles out and in the distance, I can see a second

battlecruiser about another mile or so from the others," said the teacher.

Leia; "Teacher, how many warriors can those ships hold? Jacob; "The troopship is built to carry 500 men. The two cruisers can carry about 200 to 250 men each not including the ship's company which all totaled will be

around 450 additional sailors in general."

Bertha; "Why would the Scots bring a thousand soldiers to Bog Island?" Leia; "Isn't it obvious sister? They mean to invade us and take our island."

A runner from the lookout tower came, saluted then said, "There is a small vessel coming Chieftess. It stopped at the supply vessel first and picked up passengers. Now it is on its way here flying two flags, a white one in front and a green one on the mast." The runner left to go back to her position.

Jacob squinted as he peered into the dim light of dawn. His eyes suddenly got big and noticing Bertha asked, "What is it, Jacob, why are you alarmed?" Jacob; "The white flag my chieftess is a flag of truce. They want to talk. The

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second flag is the king's flag ma'am. The King of all Scotland, Fergus the

Bold is coming to parley with you and I think I know why."

Leia; "Well speak up man, don't keep us in suspense, out with it!".

Jacob; "Lord Haddock was to return to Scotland four months ago to be with his betrothed Princess Merida. When the evacuation took place, Sir Arthur Macintosh, Scottish Ambassador to Berk petitioned the Berk High Council to have the young Lord sent back to Dunbroch. They refused. The young Lord, by treaty, is supposed to travel twice a year to Scotland. The first deadline for that was four months ago. Young Lord Hiccup is the betrothed of the Princess and a noble citizen of Scotland. It was a huge insult to violate the terms of the treaty. I'm sure my King does not want violence but I'm also sure he wants the boy."

Bertha; "Leia begin evacuation into the swamp. Take Camicazi with you." She notices Elisa standing about twenty feet away. "Elisa, come here at once," she said and the teenager ran, stood at attention and saluted, "Yes my Chieftess?" "Elisa I need you to go fetch Helga, Bergheld, Ylva, and

Hiccup and bring them here. Quickly now!"

A few minutes later Helga was standing next to Bertha, "What's going on chieftess?" she asked. She smiled at a very nervous Jacob. Bertha without looking asked, "Do you know King Fergus of Scotland?" Helga; "Yes I do. I met him while we were signing the "treaty of Dunbroch" before we came here. Why do you ask?" Bertha; "What is his relationship with Hiccup?" she asked. The King and Queen of Dunbroch care for Hiccup very much. They

treat him like a son. Why? She asked.

Ylva ran up with Hiccup. Bertha put her arms out and Hiccup went over to her. The boat bringing the King was very close now. There were fifty Bog

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warriors with spears swords and bows behind and on either side of the Bog

chieftess.

"Hiccup, do you know King Fergus?" asked Bertha. Hiccup nodded yes. "Do you like him?" "I love him, Aunt Bertha, as I love you," said the little boy in her arms.

"Ahoy there. King Fergus, King of all Scotland and Lord of Dunbroch Castle requests permission to bring our vessel to the dock. He also seeks an audience with the leader of the Amazon tribe known as the Bog Burglars. What say you?" cried a herald. Bertha; "I am Bertha, Chieftess of Bog

Island. You may dock your vessel and your King, I bid welcome."

The King's gig bumped the side of the dock and lines were thrown to the warriors on the dock by the sailors on the gig. A gangplank was hauled over to the vessel. The first one off was Sir Arthur who immediately came over and stood in front of Bertha and said, "My lady, I am Sir Arthur Macintosh,

knight of Castle Dunbroch and ambassador to Berk."

Betha; "First I am no lady," said Bertha, "I am a warrior and the Chieftess of Bog Island. I was told your King was coming ashore, where is he?" Sir Arthur turned and gave a hand signal. King Fergus the Bold, resplendent with his silver and gold armor with a deep purple cloak walked off the ship and stopped next to Sir Arthur.

Hiccup could no longer contain his excitement, "Hi King Fergus I am glad to see you". Fergus gave a big smile and said, "Aye laddy and ah am so glad ta see ye too."

Sir Arthur, "Chieftess I have the honor to introduce his majesty, Fergus the Bold, first of his name, protector of the realm, Lord of Dunbroch Castle

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and King of all Scotland." King Fergus bowed then stood with a smile looking Bertha in the eyes. Sir Arthur, "Your majesty I have the distinct honor to introduce Bertha Bogs, Chieftess of Bog Island and 1st Shieldmaiden of the

Bog Burglar tribe".

The King bowed again, stuck his hand out and said, "It's an honor to meet ya, Chieftess Bertha." Bertha shook his hand and replied, "It's good to meet ye, King Fergus," she said still holding on to Hiccup, "Please follow me to the great hall your majesty then we can discuss why you are here and why you have three warships and a thousand men close to my island." They all walked up to the great hall.

At the great hall drinks and food were given to the king and his retinue of knights. Bertha allowed Hiccup to go over to the King and he was now

happily sitting on the King's lap.

Bertha; "I had heard that you and your wife care for Hiccup. I'm glad to see it is true." King Fergus; "It's more than like Chieftess Bertha, we love this boy as if he were our own son. My daughter Merida adores the boy,

doesn't she Hiccup?" said the king.

"What does adore mean my King?" asked the little boy. "It means she loves you a lot Hiccup," said the King. "Oh yes Auntie Bertha, Merida loves

me and I love her too," said Hiccup.

Bertha; "So why do you come to my island?" King Fergus; "Chieftess, we Scots have a treaty with Berk. It's also an alliance. When my daughter and Hiccup were infants Stoics wife Valka and my wife Elinore promised that when our children were seventeen years old that our two counties would be brought together by a wedding of the two. A short while before these ladies came to you Stoic, Valka and Hiccup came to visit us in Dunbroch. Valka

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informed us that Stoic was displeased with Hiccup and that the chief had laid

hands on her and the wee boy to the point little Hiccup nearly died."

"Is this true Hiccup?" asked Leia. Hiccup nodded and said, "I hate father. I wish I were Gobbers son instead. I wish I could live here or with Merida instead of Berk. Father and the people treat me mean there," said the little boy with tears in his eyes.

King Fergus; "Unfortunately, Stoic continued to display disdain and aggression towards this child to the point where the queen and I were concerned about the boy's life. So we decided to take steps to ensure his

safety."

Bertha; "And what were those steps pray tell?" asked the chieftess. "Well, a betrothal in Scotland usually comes a year before the couple is to be wed.

We decided to have Merida and Hiccup betrothed as babies," said the king.

"I was really scared Auntie Bertha if Merida wasn't there holding my hand I would have run and hided," said Hiccup. Bertha smiled.

Jacob; "The word you were looking for is hidden not hided my Lord." "Oh

yeah! Thanks, Jacob!" answered the little Lord.

King Fergus; "I know you are curious about young Hiccup being a Lord. Under Scottish law, a commoner cannot marry royalty so I purchased a castle, two hundred acres of land and made Hiccup Lord of Delaney Castle. My friend Lord Ian MacGuffin then gave Hiccup fifty sheep and awarded him custody of a farmer, his wife, and his five children to work the farm and

maintain the castle," said the King.

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"You gave a child thralls?" asked the shieldmaiden.

Jacob; "What Leia means is slaves. Thrall in the Viking language means

slave."

"Thank you, Jacob. No the farmer and his family are not thralls as you call them. They are allowed to work the farm and receive a home free of charge, a small stipend and a small portion of the proceeds if the farm produces a profit. They can leave any time they choose. Anyway, Elenor and I also awarded Hiccup the title of "Friend of the Queen which allows Hiccup an audience with my wife at any time and can call her by her name without

honoraries. It's a great honor and privilege."

"Bertha; "So young Hiccup really does own a castle and a working farm?" "Please call me Fergus. May I call you Bertha?" asked the King and Bertha nodded yes, "Yes the little Lord does have a farm and his farm is doing quite well. He now has sixty-two sheep, and the crop of wheat farmer Jones

brought in placed fifty gold pieces into Hiccups treasury," said the king.

Bertha; "So Fergus, do you intend for me to hand over Hiccup, son of Chief Stoic, a citizen of Berk to you?" Fergus; "Yes. Because of the treaty, we have with Berk, but more so, because there is a little girl who misses her betrothed and often cries because she is lonely and misses him. The Queen and I miss him too. The council of Berk sees the boy as just an asset and

they don't really care what his feelings are."

"Please let me go, Auntie Berth, Auntie Leia, I miss Merida soooooooooo much. Heart talking and hugging helps but I want to see her and play with her and take baths with her and snuggle with her at night when I go to sleep. I miss Elinor and King Fergus too. Please let me go. I'll come back and

see Camicazi and Raven, I promise!".

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Bertha walked over to the refugees and spoke with Berghild and Helga. There was a brief argument the Helga and Bergheld nodded. She then called over Brenna Davidson and all four women had a discussion. Finally, with the

other three women following her she sat down and spoke to the King.

"Fergus, you have shown up on my island with an armada and an army at your back. You could probably destroy my longboats, burn our home and kill all my people but you would return with far fewer men and might get killed yourself. This being said, I am a Chieftess, a chieftess who loves her daughter and all who call Bog Island home. I love Hiccup as well. I can tell he loves you and wants to go with you. If I could adopt him myself I would but our laws here prevent that. If Hiccup didn't want to go we Bog Burglars would fight to the last to prevent his departure and he would not leave with you alive. To see Hiccup happy as well as our own children is our deepest desire. I will allow Hiccup to leave with you on two conditions. First, you must agree to take these women back to their homes in Berk. Second, (and she motioned for Ylva and Elisa), you take these two girls who love Hiccup with you. This is Ylva Hofferson and her girlfriend Elisa Davidson. They have taken care of Hiccup while he has been here and has done a good job. I send them to ensure Hiccups' safety. Their mothers have agreed to this. I know Hiccup is to return in a few months so I will warn you if anything happens to these children or if you decide to keep the boy in Scotland, I will rally the entire Viking Archipelago against you. Do you agree to my terms?" King Fergus smiled a big smile, "Yes Bertha, I agree to your terms and I thank

you and all the Bog Burglars for taking such good care of our future Prince."

The king made a hand motion and six large barrels were brought over to the dock. "Bertha, please accept these six barrels of the finest whiskey for you and your people. Also, you and your Bog Burglars are welcome to come and visit Dunbroch at any time. I guarantee the girls safety with my life and

shall return them to you after the two-month visitation is over. I thank you."

The king shook Berthas and Leia's hands and has he did Leia whispered in his ear, "Would you really have invaded us if we refused to allow Hiccup to

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come with you?" asked the general. "General, I would have invaded the entire archipelago to bring him back home to Scotland. He is that important to Merida, the queen, and I and Scotland herself." Leia surprised him with a

strong hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Bertha came up holding Camicazi and another woman handed Raven to Leia. Hiccup jumped off the king's lap and went over to Bertha, giver both the Chieftess and baby Camicazi a kiss. He did the same to Leia, Raven,

Helga and Bergheld Hofferson.

"Thank you Miss Hofferson for letting Ylva come with me. The King is very nice and I promise she is going to be safe," said Hiccup. "I know that Hiccup. I know you love Ylva and would never let anything happen to them." The kids were brought on board the gig.

The king was playing with baby Camiczi getting her to giggle and smile. "Bertha, what is your daughter's name again?" Bertha smiled, "She is Camiczi Horrendous Haddock." King Fergus, "That sounds a lot like Hiccups last name". Bertha; "That's because it is Hiccups' last name. My sweet little

daughter Camicazi is Hiccup's baby sister." The King looked shocked.

Leia; "It gets better King Fergus, my daughter's name is Raven Eileen Jorgenson, she is Hiccups cousin." Both women laughed as the red-faced King walked up the gangplank.

Now Hiccup had changed a little. He had a little more mass, he was an inch taller and his hair now went past his shoulders. Ylva and Elisa loved it and kept it clean and in a ponytail. His accent was heavier Norse but, thanks to Jacob, Hiccup was fluent in the Celtic language and cold speak passable

Anglish.

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King Fergus spent much time with the boy and grew more attached daily. He liked the two girls as well. He didn't quite understand their relationship or that of the Bog Burglars in general but he was accepting of the situation.

He was trying to teach the girls and Hiccup swordsmanship with a small rapier with a dull point. The first surprise was the discovery that little Hiccup was left-handed. Fergus could see now why the little boy hadn't liked weapons training before, (besides the fact that his father was an abusive bastard). Everyone who had tried to teach tried to do so right-handed, so naturally it was very unnatural and Hiccup appeared to be clumsy and incompetent. Once Fergus put the rapier and other weapons in the boy's left hand, Hiccup got much better and enjoyed practicing. Fergus worked with Ylva and Elisa too. In the Viking tradition, both girls were very aggressive so Fergus was teaching them technique and patience. All three children came to adore the king and got along very well with the crew.

One of the ship's boys decided to surprise Elisa from behind and had managed to force her to kiss him. Elisa screamed and immediately Ylva came to her aid and between the two of them beat the boy, (Hiccup kicked and punched him in the face when he was down) and were in the process of

throwing the stupid kid overboard when a couple of sailors stopped them.

Under the articles of war, the boy could have been hung or keel hauled for attempted rape but the Captain gave him twenty-five lashes and had him transferred to a different ship. It was probably a good thing because the crew and the soldiers all cared about the children, (many had wives and children themselves), and it would have been likely that he would have come up missing one night.

Hiccup often sat alone in the cabin he shared with the girl's heart talking with Merida and Elinore. Hiccup; "Merida are you there?" Merida; "Hi Hickey, I'm here. I miss you so much. Do you miss me?" Hiccup actually was crying

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when he answered, "Merida I have missed you every single day. My heart

hurts I miss you so much. I am going to hug you to pieces when I see you."

Elinor; "Don't cry Hiccup. It will be alright. I have missed you, my little man, I can't wait till I see you. I'm going to kiss both your little cheeks and

hug you until you can't breathe. Where are you my little one?" she asked.

Hiccup; I'm on a big ship with Da and the soldiers".

Merida; "Hickey, how soon will you be here?" asked the Princess. "Your Da says four days if the wind holds. Guess what Mer? Ylva and Elisa are

coming too," said Hiccup.

Elinor jumped in before Merida, (who was always quite jealous of anyone being around Hiccup when she wasn't), "Why are they coming, my little Prince?" asked the queen. Hiccup; "Auntie Bertha who is Chieftess Of Big island, said I couldn't come unless they came to because she wanted to

make sure I was safe."

Merida feeling more scared than nervous sniffed and asked, "Hiccup do you love Ylva more than me?" Hiccup; "Mer, I love you more than anyone. I love Ylva and Elisa but I could never love anyone more than you."

Elinor now had tears in her eyes, "Hiccup I love you and I can't wait to see you," said the Queen. "Merida; "Hickey, I love you so much it hurts. I hate being away from you. My dollies and me get so lonely when you're not here. I am glad we are joined because I don't think I could ever want to be betrothed to anyone but you."

Hiccup; "Someday, when I'm big I'm going to marry you. I love you."

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Elinor; "Hiccup my love, it's time for Merida to have lunch and take her nap. We will see you soon." "Before you go, Elinor, I need to tell you something, said Hiccup. "What do you need to tell me little one?" asked the queen. Hiccup; " I wish you were my mummy. Bye Mer." Merida; "Hickey mummy is crying. I have to go hug her bye, bye." Hiccup fell back on the bed and cried himself to sleep.

Spitelout arrived on Bog Island a day after the Scottish ships had departed. His lookouts had spotted the ships in the distance but paid them

no mind. That was until he docked.

Bertha and Leia met him. Spitelout; "Greetings Chieftess. I hope you are well. Leia, it's good to see you again." Bertha; "Welcome back to Bog Island. I trust you had a good voyage." Spitelout; "That we did ma'am. I am surprised that Berks ladies are not ready to board."

"That's because the Scots were here and are taking them all back on one of their ships. They should be there soon. Their ships are larger and much faster than ours. Aura here will lead your men to the great hall for food and drink. Leia, take the general to our longhouse and introduce him to Camicazi and Raven." Leia saluted, "Leia smiled, yes my sister. I will be happy to. This

way General".

As they walked up the hill Spitelout looked over at the beautiful Shieldmaiden. He wanted to reach out and touch her but knew he might be struck down for doing so. "Leia, you are more beautiful since the last time I

saw you. I have missed you very much," said Spitelout.

"Leia looked straight ahead when she replied, "If you missed me that much you would have come sooner. I know of your wife and your son. You

now have a daughter who bears your name."

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They arrived at the longhouse and led him inside. Leia; "Bea, (a nanny hired by the Chieftess), you may go I will watch the girls for the rest of the day." "Very well ma'am I will see you tomorrow," said Bea. Leia looked at Spitelout very seriously, "You have to options, today General. One is where you end any contact with your daughter and myself. You go home to your wife and son never to return with no hard feelings. In that case, you may leave now. I will not let you see our daughter. Your second option is that you wish to be in your daughter's life and thus mine. I would require you to visit at least every couple of months. I will expect you to act as a father when you are here and at the Thing, you will recognize her as your daughter. You need not support her financially as I am quite wealthy. If you choose this more difficult option I will bring our daughter in and introduce her to her father. What say you?"

Spitelout didn't hesitate, "I wish to be in our daughter's life and yours. I have a wife and a beautiful son, both of whom I love dearly. On the Needle, I didn't just give you my body and my seed, I also gave you my heart. I didn't think anything like that could happen but since we have been apart I have had much time to think.

I told my wife about what happened on the Needle after the battle. She demanded that I cut off all ties with you and the baby. For a while, I thought about it. Every day and every night you haunted me. I told Inga I could not just leave a child that I had helped bring into this world and never know it. I told her if it were a boy, you would bring him to me to raise. I told her I

would not stand in her way if she chose to divorce me.

I tell you now that if she had divorced me, I would have come here and asked Bertha if I could stay permanently. I am a shipbuilder. I know by your laws and mine we can never marry but I will be here often to see you and

our child." There were tears in Leia's eyes. She threw her arms around

Spitelouts neck and kissed him passionately.

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"That was the correct answer Viking," said Bertha, "You are a man of honor. Unlike the father of my child who is a self-centered abuser of women and children. Stoic will NEVER be given the opportunity you no have. He will never be around Camicazi. She will have his name and that is all. The only reason she will retain the Haddock name is because of Hiccup. I love that boy. He loves his sister and his cousin Raven. They were the last people he

kissed before leaving for Scotland."

Leia; " I shouldn't have the feelings I do for you Spite. I shouldn't want you here but I do. I shouldn't want more children with you but I do. This is also because of Hiccup. If our children turn out to be half as wonderful as that tiny little boy I will be a very happy mother. Now let me go get our

daughter."

Bertha; "Sit general we have much to discuss". Spitelout; "Why did you allow the Scots to take our women and children with them instead of waiting for me?" "King Fergus of Scotland came here himself. He explained that Berk had violated the treaty by not allowing young Hiccup to return to Scotland.

Is that true?" asked Bertha.

Spitelout; "Yes Bertha it is true. We of the council felt that the Scots were going to take Hiccup permanently and was going to make him forget his

Viking heritage."

Bertha; "I have met this man and I highly doubt that. Is it true about the amount of abuse Stoic has laid upon his son? and is it true that most of the villagers believe Stoic and have been verbally abusive? Have you been abusive to him? And is it true his mother abandoned him on the docks?"

asked Bertha.

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Spitelout looked at the floor, "Sadly what you have been told is true. Stoic nearly beat the boy to death and has never a kind word to say about his son. In Valka's defense, the council sided with Stoic in preventing the boy from leaving Berk. I agreed with the decision. Sadly, the village children are no longer allowed to visit the boy. Either their parents are too afraid of Stoic to let their children come around or they believe the shite Stoic spews and despise the boy. I have never abused the by in any fashion. This does not explain why you allowed the Scots to take the boy against the express

wishes of the high council of Berk."

Bertha; I will give you many reasons for my decision. First, the Scots arrived with three large warships and over a thousand men. Second is because the council is using a two year old boy as a pawn in whatever game they are playing. Third, I believed the King when he said he was prepared to go to war over this boy. Against the entire archipelago! Fourth, If it were not against Bog law I would adopt Hiccup myself. Fifth, Hiccup loves his betrothed, the royal family and Scotland itself. He told me directly that he wished he could have stayed on Bog Island or go and stay in Scotland. Seeing the boy with the King I saw with my own eyes how much affection they have for each other."

Spitelout; "This will not go over easy with the council Bertha".

Bertha; "I don't give a shite what they think in Berk. If Berk feels they can alter the terms of a treaty with the Scots, it makes me wonder if you

plan on doing that with us Bog Burglars."

Leia came in holding Raven, "Raven this man is your daddy. Spitelout this is your daughter Raven." Leia handed the baby over to Spitelout and he grinned from eye to eye. "Your beautiful my little Raven, just like your mother".

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Aboard the Alert, the crew and passengers were getting excited. They were only a day away from Dunbroch. The King had grown fond of Elisa and Ylva. They were very outgoing. Ylva was far more proficient than Elisa in Celtic so she usually did the talking to anyone other than the king. King Fergus spoke old Norse so it was no problem speaking to him.

King Fergus; "I'll bet you lassies are excited to get off this boat." Both the girls nodded. Fergus; "Queen Elinor is going to love you both. She will pamper you and have clothing made for ye"

"What's wrong with the clothes we have on," asked Ylva.

"Nothing lass. The Queen loves all children and you are young ladies. Elinor will show you our culture in Scotland. She will have many dinners and parties while you are with us. She will introduce you to lots of young gentlemen who will pursue both of you because you are both very

attractive," said the king.

"But my king," said Elisa in Norse, "We don't want to meet boys, we don't like boys and we have each other".

"I see," said Fergus, "I will explain things to my wife. She will understand. You two have to be prepared for the boys though. You both are single and very pretty."

Ylva; "That's what we have these for," said Ylva as both Ylva and Elisa brought out vicious-looking daggers.

The King laughed, "Please don't kill any boys while you're with us. A simple slap to the face or a kick in the balls will suffice." Both girls smiled and put away their weapons.

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Back on Berk, the alarm was given when the lookouts spotted the HMS Courageous on the horizon. Several longboats set out to intercept the Scottish warship. Captain Williams; "Mr. Horn ''Yes captain?" asked the ship's first officer. Williams; "Beat to quarters and have the ship prepared to

repel boarders". "Aye, aye" captain.

The drummer boy, ten years old, beat a steady staccato as boatswain's mates, warrant officers, midshipmen, and officers yelled orders to men who

were pouring out from below decks to their assigned stations.

Lord Ian MacGuffin smiled at the proficiency of the naval personnel. The ladies and children from Berk were alarmed at what was going on. A young army cadet ran up to the group and thinking because of her size and air of authority Bergheld Hofferson was in charge saluted and said, "Captains compliments ma'am. The Captain has requested that I let all you ladies know that what you see around you is a precautionary action because of several Viking longboats heading our way. The captain has no desire to engage them but we will defend ourselves if attacked. He has ordered me to

escort all of you below to your cabins for your personal safety.

Bergheld; "Now you listen to me boy. I am a Viking myself and was fighting battles before you were squirted into your mum's belly. Me and the ladies will stay put."

The cadet made a hand signal and twenty armed soldiers lined up beside the group of women at attention. "Ma'am I am Cadet Officer Richard Dingwall of his majesty's army." The 15-year-old cadet drew his saber, "Ma'am, you will comply with my instructions or I will have my men forcibly

remove you." He turned and with his arm guided the Bergheld and the ladies

below decks.

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As it turned out, the longboats from Berk kept their distance seeing how large and powerful the ship was. The Courageous slipped into Berks harbor and dropped anchor. The ladies were again lead from below decks by Cadet Dingwall and his men. Four boats were swung out. Lord MacGuffin and twenty men were in the first launch followed by two more with the Berk

refugees aboard and in the last boat the lady's possessions.

At the docks, the twenty soldiers got off first followed by Lord MacGuffin. They were met by Stoic, Gothi the elder, Gobber and Yon Ingerman. Behind

them and up the hill was the fully armed adult population of Berk.

Chief Stoic; "I am Stoic the Vast, Chief of Berk. What is your business here?" asked the chief.

"I am Ian MacGuffin, Lord of Scotland and defender of the realm. King Fergus ordered me to escort the refugees on Bog Island safely to your shores. I also bring a letter to you from the King and from Chieftess Bertha

Bog," said Ian.

Stoic opened the scroll from Fergus and then the one from Bertha. The scroll from the King explained that they had traveled to Bog Island to bring Lord Haddock to Scotland and that he would be returning in three months' time. Three-month instead of two because Berk had failed to deliver the boy as per the treaty in a timely manner. It also stated that Sir Arthur would continue as an ambassador and that the supply ships would arrive on schedule.

The letter from Bertha stated that she agreed with King Fergus and that Hiccup had and would be well taken care of. She also explained that Erin Erickson had with him, Fanta Yorvison Erickson who was four months with

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child and with permission of the mothers, Erin and Fanta had been legally married. She had sent enough gold to keep the girl for a year and expected her to be well treated. Stoic chuckled to himself. Leif Erickson was not going to be pleased.

What he didn't know was that Gelda Erickson, after the initial shock, had welcomed Fanta with open arms. Lord MacGuffin lined up his men and the ladies were helped off the boats. There was much hugging, kissing and happiness as families were reunited.

The council would grumble about how Hiccup had been snatched under their noses but they weren't prepared to break a treaty and go to war over the two-year-old.

Erin held his fifteen years old wife's hand as they walked up the hill. He came in front of his father and as his mother explained what had happened, Erin expected to be chastised and beaten. Instead, his father sighed gave his son a bear hug and kiss then looked over his new young daughter-in-law before looking at his son and saying, "She's a beauty, Erin, built for having children too. Cheer up, boy. Do you think you are the only Erickson to lose his heart to a pretty face?" Fanta had been so scared she was crying despite Gelda having her arm around her. Bog Burglars usually never cried in public but Fanta was pregnant and her hormones were out of control. Leif pulled the young soon to be mother into a gentle hug, kissed her on the cheek, wiped away her tears and said, "Don't cry little one. You're a Erickson now and we take care of our own." Lief kissed his wife looked at his son and said, "Come on boy, let's get our wives things off the boat and go home. You can

tell me all about it later and you will tell me EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL.

Soon all of the families were settled in and later would be celebrating in the great hall. Lord MacGuffin and his men went back to the Courageous and then headed home.

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The next chapter will be mostly about Hiccup getting back to Scotland. Merida will mark her territory, Ylva and Elisa discover how to live in Scotland, Elinor gets to mother four children and King Fergus settles back into being King.